POTG Thursday Headlines, News, and Morning Links

We are one day closer to the weekend aa play returns to the Eastern Conference tonight with Boston traveling to Tampa Bay for game three in their series that is tied 1-1. Last night's Canuck's blow out of San Jose showed why the were the best team in hockey in the regular season.

Make the jump for all today's news and links with special kudos to the NHL which was named the pro sports league of the year by Sports Business Daily...



In Pred Nation...

The Nashville Predators lost their grip on the number one organizational ranking at Hockey's Future but still remain in the third spot.

Ryan Porth has answers to all the Predators offseason questions.

Jeremy Gover starts of with #15 in his top 15 moments of the Predators season.

Dirk Hoag takes a look at what moving to the Eastern Conference would do for the Predators travel budget. The answer would surprise you.

Robby at HNIN looks at the possibilities for Ryan Ellis next season.

Seth Lake has the grade sheet for Blake Geoffrion at On The Forecheck.

Mark Torrence has the #8 moment of the past Predators season.

There were a pair of promotions announce by the Predators that will more closely integrate marketing for the team and the arena.

All four ex-Preds still in the running for Cup were all Admirals before they were Preds.

Canucks 7 - Sharks 3....

If Vancouver continues to storm over the Sharks as they did in their 7-3 blowout last night, folks may start to have a little more appreciation for the Predators play against them in round two. Kevin Bieksa had the Gordie Howe hat trick and the Sedins had big games with Henrik having three assists and Daniel kicking in two power play goals. Chris Higgins also had a goal and two assists. Ben Eager won the award for being the biggest ass of the game for repeated ill will and non-noteworthy acts. Ryan Porth details the Sharks lack of discipline.

Game three will be on Friday night in San Jose.

The Green Men were upstaged by this young lady who provided Ben Eager with entertainment in the Shark's penalty box (warning nudity).


Atlanta -Winnipeg...

A "Save the Thrash" rally has been set for Saturday. Hopefully, the team won't be sold by then.

Behind the net has an interesting look at the viability of the league and the effect that the 2008 economic downturn and US economic policy had on sending teams back to Canada.

Kevin Allen answers five questions on the potential move.

Rumors of viable potential local ownership groups were greatly exaggerated. Here is even more dirt on "The Balkin."


Around the NHL...

The National Hockey League won the  Pro Sports League of the Year at last night's Sport's Business Awards sponsored by Sports Business Journal. Here is the complete list of winners and a full list of all the nominees.

In a poll of players, Daniel Sedin was named NHL player of the year at The Hockey News. Gillis, Vigneault, Thomas, and Skinner were also winners.

Matt Reitz has the top ten things said in Toronto after Tyler Seguin's breakout game.

Adam Proteau has the top ten rookie playoff performers.

From @reporterchris: The #CBJ say assistant coach Bob Boughner has resigned.

Rob Rossie spoke with Ray Shero about the status on Sydney Crosby and Jaromir Jagr. It appears that the status remains quo.

Steve Lapore has the viewership numbers from Saturday's game one of the Bruins-Lightning series. The Bruins set a local record in game two.

The producer of the Battle of the Blades TV show says ex-NHLers are scared to join in the competition due to the quality of skating required.

Here is an interesting look at the origins of fantasy hockey.


Odds and Ends...

New York's Shake Shack allegedly beats out In-N-Out Burger and Five Guys in a three way show down.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass